Whaley, 41, made a run for governor after winning an uncontested race for Dayton mayor. During her campaign, she focused on early childhood education and the state's opioid crisis, which she said was fueled by drug companies.

Whaley also had a fundraising challenge that other Democrats didn't. She had to spend down her campaign account, which she used for her 2017 mayoral election, to $200,000 to transfer it to a campaign fund for the governor's race. Although it was legal, it could have put Whaley at a fundraising disadvantage.

In addition to Cordray, former state Rep. Connie Pillich, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni and Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O'Neill are running for governor as Democrats. Former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich will announce a bid for governor Wednesday.